Secret Retreats is a collection of unique properties and experiences – including boutique hotels, yachts and riverboats, lodges, villas and camps– located across Asia. A community of independent hoteliers passionate about creating and sharing special moments with guests curious to discover the “essence of Asia”.

Secret Villas

Beautiful in design and perfectly located our Secret Villas are ideal if you are looking to rent an exclusive holiday home in an exotic Asian location with family, or a group of friends, or for a special private function.

Designed, built and adorned with precious artefacts by passionate owners for their own personal use, each of these non-commercial dwellings is a unique sanctuary. Available in varying sizes, for both short and long term stays, each full-service villa includes a private chef, butler service, and other enticing amenities.

Secret Tables - creative local flavors

Every destination in Asia has a handful of magical restaurants usually known only to the locals or the seriously epicurious, these are the Secret Tables. Like a personal recommendation from a friend you can trust, discover our collection of unique, personally handpicked independent restaurants whose core values embrace sustainability, fair wages and career paths for young local people.

Travel Packages

If you are looking for inspirations for travels, we have designed some itineraries and packages enhancing the essentials for each destination. Our hosts live on site and open their door to welcome you! Whether you travel solo, in couple, in family or with friends, we strive to offer you memorable experiences and to travel differently, through the heart of Asia.

Photo: Nattinee Kulsin, Born in Sukhothai and Head Concierge at Secret Retreats

Highlights of the Journey:

Samoeng, be a Mahout for a day

Pai, its valley and river

Chiang Rai and the hill tribes

Explore Northern Thailand – A 7day and 6night tour of Northern Thailand, support the Thai Elephant’s conservation by owning an elephant for a day, visit the rural north exploring the hill tribes and rich and ancient cultures around Chiang Rai and enjoy a touch of luxury in a delight riverside resort in the sleepy bohemian town of Pai.

An early to start to meet your elephants. Pick up from your Chiang Mai hotel or the airport and a quick stop at Chantra Khiri to drop your bags before arriving at the Patara Elephant Farm where you will own an Elephant for a day. Patara Elephant Farm is dedicated to protecting and conserving the Thai Asian elephant. Raising money through its own an elephant for a day activities, all profits go towards the conservation work including the breeding program, the elephant ambulance, elephant clinic and working closely with local universities veterinary faculties to further the study of elephant care and husbandry.
The program “own an elephant for a day” has been designed for everyone to learn and interact with elephants. Learn how to approach your elephant correctly, know its temperament, feed and check its health, bathe and wash it in the river, learn how to bare back ride in the traditional mahout style, and communicate with your elephant through different spoken commands. You will get a chance to trek with your elephant through the forest, visit waterfalls and possibly to swim with the elephants. A lunch of traditional Chiang Mai fare will be served at the center, before being transferred back to your hotel around 3pm.

HOTEL: The Chantra Khiri Villas

Day 2

Samoeng – Pai (B / - /-)

A leisurely morning enjoying breakfast and relaxing by the pool enjoying the quiet atmosphere and views over the green hills of Doi Suthep before checking out at lunchtime to head to Pai. You can either take lunch at the hotel before heading off or leave a little earlier and take lunch along the way. The drive to Pai is through rural Thailand, forested hills, river valleys and agricultural scenes await you. The roads winds its way through valleys and hills, a journey of around 3hours including a few stops in the many coffee shops, or strawberry farms (seasonal) along the way, before reaching the country town of Pai, nestled in the Pai river valley. Home to many artists and musicians Pai in the evening has a very arty and bohemian atmosphere with a vibrant street market and some fun bars, coffee shops and restaurants to enjoy. Daytimes the town is known for its laid-back atmosphere and the natural beauty surrounding it, from Pai canyon to waterfalls, hot springs and caves. Not forgetting local temples set in the rice fields, tribal villages and Yunnan-style Chinese villages and tea plantations. You will be checking in at Reverie Siam and settle down in your Deluxe room for 3 nights. The evening is yours to enjoy!

HOTEL: Reverie Siam

Day 3

Pai (B / - /-)

If you are an early riser (5.30am) you can start your day with sunrise views from the Yun Lai Chinese Tea House, perched a few hundred meters above the town and admire the tranquil view over the whole of the Pai river valley. Between December and February, you can expect to see a magical mist engulfing the surrounding mountains. After breakfast a chance to explore Pai’s natural wonders, we will drive you to your choice of Pai’s iconic landmarks - the canyon, the Mo Paeng or Pam Bok waterfalls, a walk on bamboo walkways over ricefields or visit some temples. Returning to the hotel in the early afternoon to take lunch and enjoy the afternoon at your leisure.

HOTEL: Reverie Siam

Day 4

Pai (B / - /D)

Enjoy a quiet morning at your speed, at Pai’s pace of life… and only around 4pm, we will bring you down the river on a slow bamboo raft to a secret picnic location, where you will enjoy some drinks (or you can upgrade to champagne if you prefer) and some canapes, with a sunset view over the valley. We will then drive you back to the restaurant Silhouette for a further 2-course set menu and the rest of the evening.

HOTEL: Reverie Siam

Day 5

Pai - Chiang Rai ( B / - /D)

Departure from Pai after breakfast to drive through the hills on beautiful roads with stunning scenery to reach Mae Salong around mid-day. Welcome to Phu Chaisai Mountain Resort, an eco-resort surrounded by acres of organic plantations and forest. Check-in for 2 nights in your Private Pool Cottage. Once settled in a guide will be ready to escort you on a tour of the estate and farm. Travelling at times by their e-tan tractor, you will get the chance to pick vegetables and fruit from the organic farm and fruit orchard while enjoying the breath-taking views of the mountains and valleys. Relax for the rest of the afternoon by the infinity pool surrounded by tropical gardens or simply stroll through the flower gardens. A dinner of Thai and Northern Thai cuisine will be served at 7pm.

HOTEL: Phu Chai Sai Mountain Resort (Private Pool Cottage)

Day 6

Chiang Rai ( B/L / D)

Breakfast at 7.30am in time to enjoy a morning walk through the plantation in the cool morning air. At 10am the chef will share some of his secrets with you in a cooking class where you will learn to prepare 3 dishes and then enjoy your gastronomic creations for lunch. The afternoon is at your leisure. Dinner will be served at 7pm with a choice between Thai or Western dishes.

Hotel: Phu Chai Sai Mountain Resort (Private Pool Cottage)

Day 7

Chiang Rai- Airport (B/-/-)

Check out after breakfast in the morning depending on your flight time. The driver will drop you at Chiang Rai airport for your onward flight.

THE HOTELS

Chantra Khiri

Reverie Siam

Phu Chai Sai Mountain Resort

Explore Northern Thailand

6 nights / 7 days

from 1,200 USD /person

for 2 persons traveling together and sharing the same room (price may vary with season and number of guests)(valid for travel before 20 December 2019)

The total price includes:Accommodation based on two persons sharing the same room as indicated All meals where specified in the programme (B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner). All transfers as specified, in private car or air-conditioned van. All excursions and activities as specified in the programme. All entry fees. A guide service for all excursions.

The total price does not include:Flights Meals not specified in the programme. All services not specified in the programme. All insurances including cancellation insurance/ travel insurance/ repatriation or lost luggage insurance. All tips.

This Secret Journey was designed in cooperation with Butler Company (License N°03372)